News on Federal Benefits from the Federal Employees News Digest


Lawmakers want health care services for Lejeune vets

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has sent a letter to President Obama asking for expedited health care for vets exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during a 30-year period.

Federal Benefits Q&A

Question: “I'd like to increase the amount of my Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage. Please let me know the procedure for making changes to my coverage. Can I do that anytime throughout the year, or only during the open season?”

Informed Investor: Dealing with parents' long-term care needs

Many employees are currently dealing with their parents' long term care (LTC) needs. This week's column discusses what employees should know with respect to their parents' LTC needs. The column looks at important legal documents that should be filled out, as well as the various possible living arrangements for individuals with LTC needs.

Informed Investor: Many are unprepared for long-term care needs

Many employees have not thought about their possible future long-term care (LTC) needs. This comes at a time when many LTC insurance companies have increased their premiums to existing policyholders and several companies have ceased selling individual LTC insurance. This week's "Informed Investor" column discusses what employees need to consider when applying for LTC insurance.

Postal reform bill could provide more savings than USPS health plan

A leading FEHBP health expert offers his insights on the U.S. Postal Service's proposed health plan, as well as perspectives on a USPS reform bill currently in the House.

Informed Investor: Various arrangements to pay taxes due

Tuesday, April 17, is the filing deadline for 2011 federal income tax returns. Whether an individual files on time or requests a six-month filing extension, any balance due on 2011 taxes must be paid by midnight, April 18. This week’s column discusses the various IRS-approved payment arrangements—including debiting bank accounts, credit cards and installment arrangements.

Benefits for same-sex partners gains support

A bill that would make same-sex domestic partners of federal employees eligible for a range of benefits is gaining ground in the Senate, according to the legislation’s sponsors.

Informed Investor: Cancellation of debt can result in taxable income

When an individual borrows money from a lender in a bona fide debtor-creditor relationship and the borrower defaults, the lender can forgive any unpaid balance of the loan. This week’s column discusses the tax consequences of forgiven debt, with particular emphasis on what happens with forgiven mortgage debt resulting perhaps from a short sale or foreclosure.

Insight by Mike Causey: Have we seen this before?

What do a failed congressional health plan, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., and a USPS proposal have in common? Maybe more than you think.

FEHB to add 10 new plans

The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program will offer 10 new plans in 2013.

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